Saturday, September 7, 2013

I knew when I first came down as a fall intern, Haiti had already captured my heart. The one-week trip in May earlier that year was just a taste and I knew I would be back for a longer amount of time. I loved learning about Mission of Hope and the way that the Lord was using the vision he had given to Brad and Vanessa Johnson years prior. I can't even begin to express how thankful I am for them. Their faithfulness and trust in the Lord is unwavering and such an encouragement and inspiration.
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First few days of being an intern. 2011

Yep. That happened! 2011

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Afternoon tours at the Bercy Campus. 2011

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I am so thankful for women the Lord put in my life that fall season. They were always such an encouragement to me. We all lived together in a very hot apartment. But it didn't matter. Rats. Bugs. Cockroaches. We had it all. And I wouldn't have changed a thing about it!

2011 Fall Intern Ladies

Hands down! One of my favorite teams during my internship! 2011

I was also blessed by a number of female staff members. Their wisdom and advice to how one LIVES in Haiti is something I will always be grateful for. All but one of them have moved on to other things now. But I will cherish them and I miss them greatly.

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Diana. Me. Kara Lynn. 2011

And of course the two little boys that stole my heart! Jetson and Titi. Although I don't get to see them as often as I use to, I still love them so much and try to see them as often as possible. They were just another reason I knew I wanted to stay in Haiti.

Jetson. Me. Titi. 2011

I gave a LOT of tours of campus. And check out the new warehouse in the background - before it was the New Warehouse. 2011

Loved birthday celebrations with the Hope House boys!

2012 was a year of building friendships.

I slowly wasn't the "new girl" anymore and my love for Haiti only grew more and more. I had been offered a staff position and gladly took it. I was the Group Trips Coordinator. I worked with short term teams and interns. I was learning more about the Lord through the Haitian culture. As we are all image bearers of Christ, the joy of the Lord and the peace He brings was something that really became alive to me.
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﻿ I was blessed to work along side such amazing people. It's amazing how many amazing people you can meet on such a small island. I know without a doubt that I will have friendships for life because of the people the Lord has crossed my path with.
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Spring Intern Class. 2012

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So thankful my brother David was able to come to Haiti for a week in March. 2012

Having my brother come down would definitely be a highlight from 2012. There is definitely something special about having your family come and see where the Lord has placed you. It was a very short week but I treasured the time greatly and I am so thankful he was able to be here.
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Elevation -- the college ministry from my church in AR was down in the summer time! 2012

Great afternoon in Levque with Lovely. 2012

One of my little buddies from our orphanage, Roberto. 2012

My sweet friend Carvona! What a treasure she is! 2012

Absolutely loved having my BFF Meagan in Haiti to see and experience my life here. 2012

Another highlight would be my dearest friend Meagan coming to Haiti. Her love for missions and her heart for people is so evident in all she does. Even though we are oceans apart, I cherish her friendship and always will.
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2012 Summer Intern Class and Support Staff! Love these people!! 2012

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So proud of my younger brother Delmonte for graduating from highschool! 2012

Cats. And for those who know me.... this is shocking. 2012

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2012 Fall Intern Class. So thankful for this group!!

2013 has been a year of growth....Nothing can really prepare you to LIVE in Haiti. Trust. Faith. Hope. They take on a whole new meaning. Dependence on Christ no longer becomes an idea... it is the only way to be.

I am thankful beyond words to have spent the last two years in Haiti. At first people would always ask me "When will you leave Haiti?" Now, the question is, "How long will you stay?" My answer has always been, "Bondye konnen." (translated: God knows) My story is one that grips the soul and never leaves you wondering if God is present. He has been with me every step of the way and I know that He will never leave me or forsake me. My home is in Haiti. My heart is in Haiti.

2013. Spring Inter Class. Such amazing people!

If you've been to Leveque, there is a really good chance you know Sashu! 2103

Jeremiah! You just gotta love this little squirt! 2013

Me and Sonson. He use to be terrified of me. Now, he will hardly let me put him down. 2013

Pretty crazy to meet a Denver Bronco in HAITI. 2013

Love these girls! Chill'n in Jacmel. 2013

2013 Summer Intern LADIES! Beautiful!

Thank you so much to those who have prayed, financially supported me, emailed me, Facebook messaged me, laughed with me and cried with me. It has been an amazing 731 days and I am praying for hundreds and hundreds more. My life will never be the same and I praise the Lord for loving me and rescuing me and placing me in Haiti, for such a time as this!Stay connected with my story:Twitter: @elizabeth_COFacebook: www.facebook.com/elizabeth.billingsleaInstagram: @ebill_CO